Hey all my loyal fans and readers, just wanted to send out a message to let you know that you’re OK. Just keep on keeping on, my friends. Hey, if you enjoy the blog, why not let your friends know. You know, we can’t just keep these things to ourselves. And with your help, we can raise the awareness of this blog ten-fold. Oh yeah! Let’s make this happen! Keep hip!
Mandy Moore – Amanda Leigh – **** – I can’t help it! I love it too much. I don’t know what it is about Mike Viola and his latest batch of albums and collaborations that just make me go crazy, but it does, and this is no exception. Finally, a Mandy Moore album, which I am with 100%, the last two were good, but I still felt a bit unsure of them. This album matches her style well, and works just great.
Office – Mecca – ***1/2 – Well, they say never to look a gift horse in the mouth, but here goes nothing. This, the second album by Office, was offered by the band for free online. As I was a fan of their first, I snatched it up, and it was great. I think it might even be better than the first. It seems like they have found their sound, and feel comfortable in it.
Greg Pope – PETE EP – *** – Fun little thing from Mr. Pope. Fun, groovy power pop.
Broken Promise Keeper – Ice Cold Pop – *** – Good solid power-pop from this one-man band. Very reminiscent of Shoes, definitely more of an indie-pop sound as well.
Rhett Miller – Rhett Miller – ***1/2 – I have enjoyed both of Rhett’s previous solo albums, though I found the second one had to grow on me a bit. I think the same is the case of this album. It is enjoyable on first listen, but will probably take a couple more listens to let the hooks sink in, and really take hold. I still recommend it though!
